Naturally occurring autoantibodies against β-amyloid

Abstract

Naturally occurring antibodies (NAbs) have been described for more than 30 years. Recently, NAbs against β-Amyloid and against other proteins involved in neurodegenerative disorders have been detected in humans. Based on the current evidence, it is hypothesized that anti-Aβ NAbs can inhibit the fibrillation and toxicity of β-aymloid, can improve cognition in a transgenic mouse model and interfere with oligomers of Aβ. Different functions of these NAbs have been described in the current literature. Based on the results of the diverse studies a Phase-III study using IVIG has been initiated in patients with AD. The results will show whether the application of NAbs will change the fate of the disease. This chapter summarizes our current knowledge on NAbs against Aβ. © 2012 Landes Bioscience and Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.